Arreola vs Stiverne HBO; ARREOLA VS. STIVERNE WBC WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP ELIMINATION BOUT SATURDAY * APRIL 27 * 3 PM CITIZENS BUSINESS BANK ARENA Ontario, California

                                       

The beat goes on. Riverside's Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola (35-2, 30 KOs) will fight Bermane Stiverne (22-1-1, 20 KOs) of Las Vegas on Saturday, April 27 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California said Dan Goossen, president of Goossen Tutor Promotions. 

Arreola and Stiverne, the WBC #1 and #2 world rated heavyweights, respectively, face each other in the "Boxing Before Dark" 12-round WBC World Championship Heavyweight Elimination main event, with the winner guaranteed to immediately fight for the World Championship.

Rescheduled after Arreola was forced to postpone a previously scheduled fight with Stiverne due to illness, the crowd-pleasing heavyweight was thrilled with the new date. 

"I'm glad we were able to reschedule this terrific heavyweight matchup so the boxing fans can look forward to an exciting night of action on HBO® with the heavyweight showdown between Cristobal Arreola and Bermane Stiverne," said Kery Davis, Senior Vice President of Programming, HBO® Sports.

"The illness that forced me to pull out of the fight was unfortunate but I am very happy to once again be healthy and thankful to my promoter Goossen Tutor and HBO for rescheduling my fight," stated Arreola. "Being less than 100% against an opponent like Stiverne and in a fight of this magnitude would not have been the best decision for my career. I'm back in training camp, completely healthy and fully motivated for April 27."

Said Dan Goossen, "Heavyweights, especially hard-hitting, aggressive heavyweights, always get the fans excited, and this is a perfect fight to display that excitement."

Said Stiverne, "The thing about Arreola is he's a tough customer, but I have noticed that all of his opponents seem to fight the same way. They come into the ring with great intentions before falling into his traps. They have a game plan but they seem to forget. They follow the plan for a few rounds and then they let him take over. I will not do that. I'm bringing my ax to the fight and I'm going to chop the tree down."

"Arreola is successful at intimidation but you can't intimidate me. The fans are going to see the best Bermane Stiverne there is. I plan to impress and move to the next level."

"This fight with Arreola became personal for me after the postponement. I've been going back and forth for so long waiting for this fight to happen that I'm now taking this personally. Time spent with my friends and family has been taken away from me, so it's good he and I are finally going to get it on in Southern California on April 27."

"It'll be a great fight between Arreola and Stiverne," Stiverne's promoter, Don King, predicted. "It's the next step in bringing the world championship back to America. The fight is a must see."

In addition, being showcased that night will be Olympian twin brothers from Norwalk, CA, Javier (13-1, 5KOs), the 2008 US Olympian and Oscar Molina (2-0, 1KO), the 2012 Mexican Olympian. Also featured in a 4-round bout, the pride of the Ten Goose Gym, up-and-coming Juan Funez (1-0) of Van Nuys.

The Arreola-Stiverne showdown will be the opening bout of a special presentation of HBO® World Championship Boxing at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

No Holds Barred: World Boxing Classic Preview with Froch, Kessler, Abraham, Dirrell, Hershman, Farhood, DiBella, Goossen‏

No Holds Barred: World Boxing Classic Preview with Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, Andre Dirrell, Ken Hershman, Steve Farhood, Lou DiBella, Dan Goossen

http://nhbnews.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-07-15T23_46_24-07_00

On this edition of No Holds Barred, host Eddie Goldman previews one of the most innovative and welcome developments in boxing, the Super Six World Boxing Classic, a round-robin, six-fighter tournament in the super middleweight division featuring the best fighters in the world at that weight.

Competing in this tournament are the unbeaten WBC super middleweight champion Carl Froch (25-0, 20 KOs) of England, the WBA super middleweight champion Mikkel Kessler (41-1, 31 KOs) of Denmark, the former undisputed middleweight world champion Jermain Taylor (28-3-1, 17 KOs) of Little Rock, Ark., the now-former and still-unbeaten IBF middleweight champion Arthur Abraham (30-0, 24 KOs) of Germany, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist and unbeaten WBC number one contender Andre Ward (19-0, 12 KOs) of Oakland, Calif., and the 2004 Olympic bronze medalist and unbeaten WBC number two contender Andre Dirrell (18-0, 13 KOs) of Flint, Mich.

The winner of this tournament is certain to be regarded as the true super middleweight champion of the world.

The opening round will have three fights, beginning this fall, on dates and at locations to be announced. Carl Froch will face Andre Dirrell, Mikkel Kessler will face Andre Ward, and Arthur Abraham will face Jermain Taylor.

At the kickoff news conference at Madison Square Garden in New York this Monday for this history-making event, we had a chance to speak with fighters Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Arthur Abraham, and Andre Dirrell about this tournament and their fights. We also spoke with promoters Lou DiBella and Dan Goossen, with boxing writer and television analyst Steve Farhood, and with Ken Hershman, senior vice president and general manager of Showtime Sports, which is the key force behind this tournament and will televise it in the U.S.

Also, No Holds Barred is available through iTunes at http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=150801513&s=143441.

The show is in MP3 format, so may take some time to download.

The No Holds Barred theme song is called "The Heist", by musician Ian Carpenter (http://iancarpenter.com/).

Make sure to visit the official boxing forum for No Holds Barred, the MySpace Boxing Forum, at http://groups.myspace.com/boxing.

No Holds Barred is free to listen to and is sponsored by:

Gladiator Magazine (http://gladmag.com/), for in-depth coverage of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA, as well as lifestyle articles on surfing, cars, movies, and more. Gladiator Magazine is available at any major bookstore and online at BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com) or Jiu Jitsu Pro Gear (http://jiujitsuprogear.com/).

American Top Team (http://americantopteam.com/). Whether you're a beginner or a champion, train with the champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, grappling, and mixed martial arts at American Top Team. Check out their web site at http://americantopteam.com/.

BJJMart.com (http://bjjmart.com), your premier source for all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gear, videos, books, and much more.

Wrestling 411 (http://wrestling411.tv), providing coverage of the sport of wrestling on TV, the Internet, and radio. Wrestling 411 is produced by Media Sports Productions (http://www.mediasportsproductions.com/), whose sole mission is the marketing and promotion of the sport of wrestling.

FightBeat.com (http://fightbeat.com/), for news, results, interviews, and free exclusive videos from the worlds of boxing and mixed martial arts.

Thanks, Eddie Goldman
http://eddiegoldman.comSee you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008 All rights reserved

Chambers Gets an Old School Philly Education by Steve Kim of maxboxing.com‏

This 4th of July contest isn't the first title eliminator for Chambers on German soil. His bout versus Povetkin in January of 2008 was for the IBF version. In a bout that he controlled early, he inexplicably stopped fighting and was overtaken down the stretch by Povetkin.

“In the fight with Povetkin, Povetkin's eye was swollen, everything like this and Buddy McGirt is my dear friend and Buddy was trying to do the best he could. Buddy was brought in late in that. Nobody mentioned the eye. Certain buttons have to be pushed in an athlete," said Murray.

Chambers promises to not repeat the same mistake. He knows that Dimitrenko enjoys the home canvas advantage this weekend.

"It taught me one thing," Chambers says of lone professional defeat, "no matter how much you have something under control, especially in boxing, it's not to say you can't lose control. And for me, I've seen it. So when you get control, assume control, do not give up anything. Just because it seems like it's getting easy don't back down, don't pull off the gas. First of all, I'm NOT fighting at home, I'm not necessarily going to get a fair decision. I'm not going to say it's going to be a bad decision or anything like that, but you never know with the decisions.
“But first of all, I gotta win and win impressively anyway, just to get a draw. So that fight in itself really taught me what I really have to do and the pressure I gotta put on these guys."

Chambers, despite not being the biggest heavyweight out there, has a solid set of tools: fast hands, elusiveness and the ability to relax. But he can frustrate you at times with the way he fights. In his victory over Peter, he showed an alarming lack of urgency that made what could've been a decisive outcome into a fight he had to eke out. Chambers says that part of the reason he couldn't let his hands go as often as he wanted is because he jammed his right wrist.

But he conceded," I wasn't 100-percent happy, honestly, I felt I could've done more. I rocked him a few times, I really did some serious damage to him mentally, physically throughout the whole fight and I think I had complete control but in doing so I don't think I finished the fight the way I needed to. Maybe I could've finished it before it was supposed to be done - meaning stopping him early. I had all those opportunities, all these things could've been done but I didn't follow up and in that part I was a little disappointed. But with the victory, I was satisfied."

Perhaps one thing that also held him back was the fact that Chambers weighed in closer to 220-pounds than he did to 210.

"I'm not going to say all of that was it, the fact is, me being big or small, I can fight with anybody," he says. "But I think if I would've been smaller, lighter, I would've been able to get off more combinations, sharper shots."

Expect a much slimmer, trimmer Chambers this time around.

“I see something now at 209-pounds," says Murray, who gets excited at the mere thought of it. "I remember Holyfield at his best, 6'1, 212. When Ali was really jumping around, he was 210, 211. He slowed down as he got older and heavier." To Murray, a smaller Chambers is a better Chambers. “I've seen him heavy and I've seen him light. I like what I see lighter. In other words, if you go back to the great heavyweight fighters, champions: Jack Johnson, 6'1, 190-something pounds, maybe at 200. Joe Louis, 190-something pounds. Rocky Marciano, 195-pounds, Most of the great fighters were smaller guys. It goes back to football; your last line of defense is what? Defensive backs, they're stopping jokers and they weigh 190-195 pounds, they're not big guys."

Even in an era where world-class heavyweights look more like defensive ends than free safeties, Murray believes that less is more.

“What I'm saying is, speed is the thing that will get you through everything. Speed and talent and being able to break the defense and do all the things you can possibly do. The lighter Eddie is, the sharper he is."

Win this fight, and he gets a shot at Wladimir Klitschko.

“I gotta tell ya', we all know that Eddie's shown the ability to go out there and be a mesmerizing heavyweight. One that's fast, accurate, can take a shot, can give better than the other guy," said his promoter, Dan Goossen. "But what we've seen with that, is a lack of consistency throughout the fight. For some reason I believe that Rob Murray Sr. has got in his head and I don't know if you've seen this in some of the other interviews he's done, but he's never been so verbally aggressive in what he's going to do in a fight since we've been involved with him and I actually believe what he's saying now. That he believes and if he does, then I think we're in for a great performance and one that might shock a lot of people because I think Eddie Chambers has finally realized how good he is.
“But what he's gotta do is achieve that success."

BERRY BERRY GOOD

Those of you that know me at all know that I'm pretty set in my ways. I take pride in being pretty old-fashioned. Well, some of you may want to sit down - I turned in my beloved old Nextel flip-phone for a Blackberry. Yup, I went from 1999 to about 2005.

First Kim Jong-Ill gets nuclear weapons, now I get a Blackberry. Don't let us Koreans have too many gadgets, we can get crazy. I'm actually taking pictures and videos with my new thing-a-ma-jig and sending them to people. I even put up my own screen saver. I still can't believe it. And get this, you can even browse the internet on this thing. Seriously, when did they come up with that?!? It's amazing. What will they think of next?

I mean, now I'm even thinking of replacing my abacus for a calculator (I’m thinking of going with a Texas-Instruments model) and perhaps even replacing my Vic20 computer. Is this Apple company reputable? You know, progress ain't such a bad thing.

Now, here's the kicker, I even got my own Twitter account (stevemaxboxing) and you won’t believe this, I actually tweeted (that's what the kids call it, right?) from my new thing-a-ma-berry. On this new fangled contraption I plan on giving out whatever boxing scoops and flurries that came up throughout the day.

As for my Walkman, sorry folks, that stays. I have waaaaay too many cassette tapes of Stevie B, Lisa Lisa, Public Enemy, RUN-DMC and Billy Ocean that I still listen to while working out.

FRIDAY FLURRIES

OK, so who got the better end of the Trevor Ariza-Ron Artest swap? I think Artest will give the Lakers a lot of toughness and grit, but he has a tendency to kill ball movement at times.....So that means the Lakers will re-sign Lamar Odom and Shan-Wow Brown, right?.....Seriously, with all the questions about who really fathered Michael Jackson's kids, doesn't it give the song 'Billie Jean' a whole new meaning?...Is there a better one-man wrecking crew than the Padres’ Adrian Gonzalez?....The newest fighter training at the Wild Card Boxing Club is heavyweight Brian 'Fresh' Minto.....Get this folks, I'm also using a Jawbone earpiece....I still can't believe I'm on Twitter. The world may come to an end. Have a great 4th, everyone....

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

“FAST” EDDIE CHAMBERS TO VALUEV : “WHY NOT FACE ME NEXT?”

PHILADELPHIA- World ranked Heavyweight contender, “Fast” Eddie Chambers believes he should be next in-line to face WBA Heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev.

Chambers, 34-1 with eighteen knockouts is coming off a huge victory when he scored a majority decision victory over former WBC champion Samuel Peter on March 27th in Los Angeles.


“Fast” Eddie Chambers

“I feel I am the most deserving contender out there”, said Chambers.

“Look at my resume compared to some of these guys getting title shots. I have beaten guys like Derrick Rossy, Dominick Guinn, Calvin Brock and Samuel Peter. I am the first man that does not have the last name of Klitschko to defeat Peter.”

Chambers has not rested on his laurels since defeating Peter just over a week ago and he is already back in the gym waiting for his deserved opportunity.

“I have worked so hard to get to this point and with the big prize just a fight away, it has motivated me to the point that I wanted to fight for the title the morning after the Peter fight.”

“My promoter Dan Goossen has done some great things for me and I know he will work hard to secure the coveted world title challenge. I know the Klitschko’s are tied up with other fights, so I think a fight with Valuev would be a great fight considering our contrast of styles.

There have been rumblings that Valuev (50-1, 34 KO’s) may make a voluntary defense of his WBA “Interim” Heavyweight crown.

“If Valuev makes that voluntary defense, there is no better fighter in the world that deserves this shot more then the man who just beat the former WBC champion Samuel Peter and that’s “Fast” Eddie Chambers”, said Dan Goossen of Goossen-Tutor Promotions.

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, Khris Kirkpatrick Morrisey for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

White Wolf on the Hunt in 2009!Sergei Liakhovich injury and promoter free and looking to get back in the heavyweight championship mix

With his promotional ties to Don King Productions severed and his shoulder injury now fully healed, former WBO Champion Sergei "White Wolf" Liakhovich says he is ready to return to heavyweight glory in 2009.

"I want to make a statement in the heavyweight division this year and have some great fights. I'm a free man and I'm 100% healthy. I did my shoulder rehab with one of the best in the States and now everything is great," asserts the eager Belarusian slugger.

The return to top form comes as welcome news, as Liakhovich hadn't had much luck on his side since winning the WBO title against Lamon Brewster in impressive fashion in 2006. First he suffered a highly debatable stoppage to Shannon Briggs at 2:59 of the 12th and final round to lose his title. And then, in a WBA Title Eliminator in February of last year, he suffered a rotator cuff injury against Nikolay Valuev and was shut out over 12 uneventful rounds.

Manager Ivaylo Gotzev maintains that several lucrative opportunities were lost due to the boxing business world claiming to be reluctant to deal with Don King. "There is no Don King excuse anymore for not fighting. Whoever avoids Sergei cannot use that excuse anymore. Being a free agent is definitely going to open doors."

Gotzev points out, correctly, that Liakhovich is still a relatively young heavyweight with plenty of good performances left in him. "Sergei is 32 years old in a division without many young fighters. There is plenty of time left for Sergei to prove his greatness. He is very excited to be back to complete health. The best of Sergei will be on display in 2009."

Some of the names Liakhovich says he'd love to face are British bomber David Haye, either Klitschko brother or especially up-and-coming Chris Arreola. "I've been in touch with Dan Goossen, telling him Sergei is available," asserts Gotzev. "Nobody can stop us. Anyone who wants a piece of the White Wolf is welcome."

"I would love to fight any of these guys," adds Liakhovich. "I want the best in the world, no matter who it is. I want tough opponents to make great fights. Every promoter, manager and fighter in boxing should want to do the same. Putting on great fights is the only way for boxing to make a comeback. Tell any of them to call me and I'm there."

See you at the Fights.
Thanks for your time.

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

“FAST” EDDIE CHAMBERS TO NEW HEAVYWEIGHT: HEY DAVID WHAT THE HAYE ARE YOU TALKING? FIGHT ME!!

“FAST” EDDIE CHAMBERS TO NEW HEAVYWEIGHT: HEY DAVID WHAT THE HAYE ARE YOU TALKING? FIGHT ME!!

PHILADELPHIA- As 2008 winds down and head into the fall months, heavyweight, “Fast” Eddie Chambers is looking for bigger & better things to close out the year and get right back in the mix of the elite in the division.

Team Chambers which consists of Manager/Trainer, Rob Murray Sr., co-Promoter Rob Murray Jr. of Score America, Dan Goossen and Eddie himself have thrown down the gauntlet and want to fight anyone & everyone in attempt to win the heavyweight championship of the world.

Chambers is coming off an explosive sixth round stoppage over Rapheal Butler in The Cayman Islands on June 20th feels left out as other less-deserving heavyweight’s have been getting opportunities.

“One loss and he is forgotten” said Murray Jr. “We were watching an ESPN-2 show a few weeks ago and they mentioned that Brian Minto & Kevin Johnson were two of the top five American Heavyweights but Eddie’s name wasn’t on the list. Come on now, Minto couldn’t hit Eddie with a handful of rice.”

The elder Murray agreed and the longtime Philadelphia boxing man has some lofty praise for Chambers, “I started Bernard Hopkins and I managed (former Super Middleweight champion) Steve Little and Eddie has more natural talent than anyone I have managed.”

“We want to fight anyone, anywhere.”

Chambers, 31-1 with seventeen knockouts is looking to fight only the best competition. “I see guys like Ruiz, Valuev, Toney & Barrett getting opportunity after opportunity and that shuts out guys like me who lost one fight that I know I could have and should have won.” Said, the world ranked Chambers.

“I see a guy like David Haye is coming to heavyweight and already talking like he is something kind of special. I would love to be opposite of you when you make that heavyweight debut in England and you will be shocked that you aren’t even close to being the best and fastest in the ring that night.”

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

HBO BOXING AFTER DARK “BLACK AND BLUES” ANDRE BERTO vs. MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ and CHAZZ WITHERSPOON vs. CHRIS ARREOLA SATURDAY JUNE 21, 2008

DiBella Entertainment in association with Prize Fight Promotions will present a night of boxing action LIVE at FedExForum in downtown Memphis, Tennessee on Saturday June 21.

Headlining the card will be undefeated NABF Welterweight Champion Andre Berto (21-0, 18 KO’s) as he goes up against talented Mexican veteran Miguel “Mikki” Rodriguez (29-2, 23 KO’s) for the vacant World Boxing Council Welterweight Title.



The co-feature that evening will showcase America’s two best young, undefeated heavyweights as DBE’s “The Gentleman” Chazz Witherspoon (23-0, 15 KO’s) steps into the ring against Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (23-0, 21 KO’s). This matchup provides something that is desperately needed in today’s heavyweight division…a top American challenger in the heavyweight division.



Tickets for the event are priced at $200, $100, $75, $50, and $25 and are available by visiting the FedExForum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at 901-525-1515, or online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 5:30pm with the first bout getting underway at 5:45pm.

WHO:

Andre Berto (21-0, 18 KO’s) NABF Welterweight Champion

Mikki Rodriguez (29-2, 23 KO’s)

Chazz Witherspoon (23-0, 15 KO’s)

Chris Arreola (23-0, 21 KO’s)

Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment

Don King, President of Don King Productions

Dan Goosen, President of Goosen Tutor Promotions

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLEHEADER VERNON FORREST vs. SERGIO MORA and CARLOS QUINTANA vs. PAUL WILLIAMS II; June 7, 2008 ● LIVE ON SHOWTIME ● Mohegan Sun

On Saturday, June 7, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will present a world championship doubleheader as Vernon Forrest (40-2, 29 KOs) defends his WBC super welterweight title against Sergio Mora (20-0-1, five KOs), while Carlos Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) looks to defend his newly acquired WBO welterweight belt against the boxer he dethroned, previously unbeaten Paul Williams (33-1, 24 KOs) live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

The event is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, LLC, and Fight Nite, LLC, in association with Tournament of Contenders, LLC, DiBella Entertainment and Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with Northeast Promotions. It will emanate from Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

VERNON FORREST

“The fight is what it is. I’m going to put up a great fight, and it will be a great night. I will see you all there.”

Vernon Forrest shares his thoughts with the media at the podium Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House as promoter Jeff Wald and Sergio Mora (far left) listen in.


“Jeff [Wald] stated today that he didn’t like me. I don’t know him and he doesn’t know me, so he wouldn’t have the knowledge to make that statement. I don’t even know what he means by that. He liked me, and now he doesn’t. I don’t know what that means.”

“I’m a heterosexual. This is no high school sweetheart thing. I’m like a jilted boyfriend. Whether Wald likes me or not, his fighter has got to fight me. All he has to do that night is pull out his pom pons because his fighter will be the one fighting.”

SERGIO MORA

“All of these fights are going to be exciting. As for me and Forrest, we don’t know how to lose. We’re both prideful, and we don’t back up.”

“I come to box, fight, bleed, whatever it takes to win. I don’t back down.”

“I’m excited about where I am, but I would have gotten here with or without ‘The Contender.’ God blessed me to be on that show and it gave me a head start. Because of it, I got here [world title opportunity] a little faster. But, I would have been here eventually.

Sergio Mora addresses the media during a press conference Thursday at Gallagher’s Steak House in New York, while promoter Gary Shaw and Vernon Forrest (far right) look on. Forrest will defend his WBC super welterweight world title against Mora this Saturday live at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME.


“Forrest is a hell of a fighter. I know that I have to prove myself. I will prove myself.”

“I see the fight going the distance. I’ve never been down, and I don’t plan on going down. It’s going to the late rounds. We’re both arrogant fighters.”

(When asked about Forrest’s power and knockout history): “Power doesn’t matter. I worry about his right hand, but I’m the biggest guy he’s ever fought. I’m smarter than the others. I’m younger. These are the things that will be what changes the fight.”

CARLOS QUINTANA

“I want to thank SHOWTIME and all of the promoters. I prepared myself better this time around. Williams is good, he throws a lot of punches, but I am better prepared and I will win on Saturday.”

“I will be here with my belt for a long time. Williams said he wasn’t really himself for our last fight on February 6, but, this time, I am so prepared that even if he brought his best game, I can handle it.”

PAUL WILLIAMS

“I had an off night [during the first fight against Quintana]. I want to get back in the ring on Saturday night and get my title back.”

“My confidence level is through the roof. I can’t wait to get out there Saturday. I will show up. In February after they said I lost, I didn’t think about it anymore. I left it behind. That wasn’t me. The real Paul Williams will show up, and when he does, he will punish Carlos Quintana.”

Paul Williams (left) and Carlos Quintana (right) stare each other down at Gallagher’s Steak House while promoter Gary Shaw (middle back) observes the festivities.



GEORGE PATTERSON (Williams’ Manager/Trainer)

“We had fun in this training camp. We were more relaxed. It was different from the last camp. We have worked hard, done a good job, and we plan to get our title back.”

LOU DIBELLA (Promoter)

“I want to especially thank Ken Hershman and SHOWTIME for making this fight. I respect Paul Williams. Everyone was afraid to fight him. Quintana wasn’t afraid for the first fight and he’s not afraid of Williams this time.

JEFF WALD (Promoter)

“I can guarantee that Mora will not run. He has never run from anybody. He would rather die than run.”

“This is a hell of a night of boxing, and it is great for television. Forrest and Mora always bring it.”

Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved

ANDRE WARD vs.JERSON RAVELO;CAYMAN KNOCKOUT: CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING ON SHOBOX THE NEW GENERATION, The Cayman Islands Showcases Its Beautiful Shores

NEW YORK- Olympic Gold Medalist Andre Ward looks to take the next step toward a world title shot when Goossen Tutor Promotions in association with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism presents “Cayman Knockout: Championship Boxing” from the Caribbean on Friday, June 20, 2008, live on SHOWTIME’s ShoBox: The New Generation (11 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).

Originating from the beautiful outdoor Truman Bodden Sports Complex in the capital city of George Town on Grand Cayman, the SHOWTIME telecast will feature a 12-round North American Boxing Organization (NABO) super middleweight championship bout between undefeated Ward (15-0, 10 KOs) and former Olympian Jerson Ravelo (18-2, 12 KOs). In another featured bout, once-beaten heavyweight Eddie Chambers (30-1, 16 KOs) will take on hard-hitting, six-foot-four-inch, 260-pound knockout artist, Raphael Butler (30-4, 23 KOs) in a 12-round United States Boxing (USBA) heavyweight championship contest.

What the fighters and promoters had to say at today’s press conference:

ANDRE WARD

"I want to be the best fighter in my era. I will achieve that with class and integrity. I want to change the negative image that boxing has."

"Both Ravelo and I represent ourselves differently from other fighters. We have respect for the sport of boxing and for each other."

Andre Ward (Left)


"I watched Ravello at Gleason's gym. I know who he is and I respect him."

"A victory over Ravelo could put me up in the top 10 for the WBO super middleweight title."

"I am a Christian. God has a plan for my team. I'm not on my own timetable. I'm on his time table. There is a process. My time will come. Working hard for the NABO national title is part of the plan. The stakes are high."

Former United States Olympic gold medalist Andre Ward (right) squares off against former Dominican Republic Olympian Jerson Ravelo (left), Wednesday during a press conference at The Palm Restaurant in New York.
The pair will battle for the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) super middleweight title Friday, June 20, on ShoBox: The New Generation (live on SHOWTIME, 11 p.m. ET/PT delayed on the west coast).

JERSON RAVELO

"It is going to be about preparation for this fight. Ward is a good fighter, and so am I. He is fast, and so am I.”

“I have broken my right hand and had it injured for four years without truly healing. Now, it is completely healed and it feels good and ready to fight."

JERSON RAVELO


"I supported Ward in the Olympics. I made the Olympics in 2000, and it was a dream of mine to win. I achieved my goal, and now I will achieve my goal for a championship title on June 20."

"I'm not saying I am going to knock Ward out. I'm just going to win. I'm ready to go the full 12 rounds."

DAN GOOSSEN (Promoter Goossen Tutor)

"It's seldom when you can sit in front of everyone and tell them that along with the spectacular fight they will witness, they will take in a beautiful venue as the Cayman Islands."

"Sitting ringside outdoor in any arena located near the waves, the beach.... This is one of the most gorgeous prolific sites to have any event at."

DAN GOOSSEN



"Ward overcame all the odds by fighting a bigger man in the Olympics... All the experts thought he wouldn't take the gold medal"

"Ward faces his toughest test on June 20 against Ravelo."

"If I was going to build a fighter, it would be Ward. He is a skilled fighter with natural talent and a class act."

"On June 20, Ward and Ravelo will do all of their trash talking with their fists."

CHARLES CLIFFORD (Cayman Islands Minister)

"It's an honor to host a class act event such as Ward vs. Ravelo".

"We (Cayman Islands) fully embrace this event and are proud of our partnership with Goossen Tutor Promotions and SHOWTIME. We are proud of the talent that will display their skills."

CHARLES CLIFFORD


"The Truman Bodden Sports Complex has been refurbished. We have invested more than one million in the upgrades. We made substantial investments against the back drop of beautiful scenery."

"Our objective is to make this at the very least an annual event."

GORDON HALL (Executive Producer of ShoBox)

“On behalf of SHOWTIME, we’re extremely excited to be included in this fight card from Grand Cayman at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. It will be the first televised boxing event in the history of the island.

“ShoBox: The New Generation is a series that showcases hopefully the youngest, brightest and most talented fighters that we can find. The one criterion is that they’re willing to be matched tough. I certainly think we have that with these two Olympians: Andre Ward and Jerson Ravelo.



“We’d like to have fighters appear, and hopefully reappear, on ShoBox and turn from prospects into contenders and go on to win world titles.

“Both Andre and Jerson have been on ShoBox before. It’s an extremely important fight at this point in their careers. Hopefully the winner will eventually go on and win a world title and become the 25th fighter that has fought on ShoBox and went on to win a world title.

“I care about the match-ups and making the best fights we possibly can, staying true to our definition of what ShoBox: The New Generation is all about.”

“Certainly this is a fight that epitomizes what ShoBox: The New Generation is all about and we’re extremely excited to be in Grand Gayman.”

“We’re looking forward to having the opportunity in the broadcast to showcase part of the island. We’ll certainly try to give the folks at home a little idea of what a beautiful spot this is.”

“At the end of the day, we look to have an extremely competitive fight and one that would continue to help the tradition of what we have tried to establish on ShoBox: matching young kids tough.”

Eddie Chambers


Six-foot-four-inch, 260-pound knockout artist, Raphael Butler (left) will take on once-beaten heavyweight Eddie Chambers (right) for the United States Boxing (USBA) heavyweight championship prior to the Ward-Ravelo battle.


Raphael Butler


STEVE FARHOOD (ShoBox Expert Analyst)

“I get excited about the match-ups on ShoBox, and this match-up between these two guys is as exciting for me as any we have this year.”

“There are a lot of contrasts: we have east coast, west coast; we have 2004 Olympics, 2000 Olympics; we have undefeated prospect/young contender in Andre, and Jerson is already a young veteran who wants what Andre has.”

“Gordon said we look to showcase young fighters in tough fights. I’d go a step further. I like to see young fighters matched tougher than they’ve ever been matched before. I think this is certainly the case with Andre Ward in this fight. Jerson Ravelo is young veteran and I think he’s definitely the toughest opponent of Andre’s young career.”

“I can’t wait to go. It’s just a little bit difficult to work when you are in a setting like Grand Cayman, but I’ll struggle through it.”

For live video coverage from the New York City Press conference go to;
Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience The Video Channel Online at http://www.youtube.com/ELEmpress1

EL Boxing Empress Keisha Morrisey's Myspace http://www.myspace.com/Keishadivine

Honorable Keisha Morrisey http://www.keishamorrisey.com/

©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience all rights reserved